Types Of Chinese Visas

Generally, visitors to mainland China need a Chinese visa and should apply for one in advance. Which type of visa you should apply for depends on the reason for your trip.

Before preparing your documents, it is very important to know and determine the type of Chinese visa you are applying for because although the basic requirements are the same However, the corresponding supporting documents are separate. There are four main types of Chinese visas, namely, Chinese diplomatic visas, business visas, courtesy visas, and ordinary visas. When we say Chinese visas, we are mostly referring to the ordinary visa type for mainland China, which includes 12 subtypes.

Follow us to read a brief description of each type of Chinese visa below to determine and select the one that matches your purpose of visit to China and what documents you need to prepare for your application, in addition to the required passport, application form, and photos.

The 12 Main Types Of Chinese Visas

There are 12 Main Types Of Chinese Visas, denoted by letters (see below).

L (Tourist Visa). Issued to applicants who come to China for tourism purposes, to visit relatives or friends, or on other personal matters.

M (business visa): Issued to applicants coming to China for tourism, visiting family, friends, or other personal matters. Issued to applicants who come to China for the purpose of business and trade activities.

F (Exchange Visitor Visa): Issued to applicants who are invited to China for business and trade activities. Issued to applicants who are invited to China for exchange, visit, inspection, etc.

Z (Work Visa): issued to applicants who are invited to China for exchange, visit, inspection, etc. Issued to applicants who hold a position or work in China.

X (Student Visa): issued to applicants who intend to take up a position or employment in China. Issued to an applicant who intends to study in China.

G (transit visa): Issued to an applicant who is in transit in China.

C (Crewmember Visa): issued to a crewmember on international aviation duty. Issued to crew members and their accompanying family members who are on international air, sea, or land transport missions.

D (Resident Visa): issued to crew members and their accompanying family members who are on international air, sea, or land transport missions. Issued to applicants who will reside permanently in China.

J (Journalist Visa): J-1 is issued to foreign resident journalists in China; J-2 is issued to foreign journalists on temporary assignment in China. Journalist.

R (Talent Visa). Issued to high-level talents or skilled personnel who are urgently needed in China.

S (Private Visitor Visa). Issued to family members of foreigners working or studying in China.

Q (Family Reunion Visa). Issued to the relatives of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence permits residing in China.

How to apply for a Chinese visa?

Step 1 - Find out what kind of visa you need.

Determine which one you should apply for by determining whether the purpose of your visit is for tourism, business, work, transit, family reunion, etc. or other purposes. The following are the types of Chinese visas.

Step 2 - Prepare the required documents for your application

Read the official guidelines and instructions and prepare your documents to apply for a Chinese visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months, fill in the latest version of the China Visa Application Form (2013 Edition) and prepare 2 A photograph (size: 48mmx33mm) and enough money for the visa fee, as well as other relevant supporting documents.

Step 3 - Collect and check your Chinese visa

Waiting for your application to be processed. It usually takes 4-5 business days, and the exact date of pickup will be indicated on the pickup form. Once you get your visa, double check that the visa type, length of stay and number of entries are correct.

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